Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership
The Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership (SLEP) is the lead economic development agency for the area. Funded by the County of Lambton, we have a focus on promoting the distinct advantages that Sarnia-Lambton proudly offers companies and residents. By coordinating community-based initiatives and working to maintain a commercially attractive environment, we foster new business creation, help ensure that established firms remain and grow here, and work to attract growing businesses to the area.
🕰️ Organization Hours:
Last updated on Apr 2nd, 2026
Recent Activity
Business Coffee Chat
The Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership thanked attendees of this morning's Business Coffee Chat hosted by Backhome Coffee Roastery, highlighting the chance to reconnect with local business owners. Subscribe to the Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership newsletter at https://bit.ly/SLEPNewsletter to get announcements for the next Coffee Chat.
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Business loan program and free business coaching
Community Futures Lambton offers repayable loans of up to $300,000 together with free business coaching and support for planning and financials, highlighted by CEO Sarah Reaume and shared via the Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership. Entrepreneurs can combine advisory help with competitive loan terms and no prepayment penalties to start, buy, or expand a business. Learn more and apply at https://cflambton.com/.
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Business Week — Business support resources spotlight
Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership is spotlighting regional business support during Business Week, with CEO Matthew Slotwinski introducing how SLEP connects entrepreneurs to advice, programs, and community partners. Visit the SLEP website to watch the introduction and connect with the team to explore supports for starting or growing a business.
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Business Coffee Chat
The Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership is hosting a Business Coffee Chat at Backhome Coffee Roastery on Tuesday, October 20, 2026 from 9:00 to 11:00 AM. Bring your questions, meet local business owners, and learn about SLEP programs while enjoying complimentary coffee.
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CRA tax webinars for T1 and T2 businesses
CRA liaison officers are offering two free online webinars for small businesses: one for T1 businesses on November 5, 2026 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM, and one for T2 businesses on November 18, 2026 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Each session reviews common tax errors, bookkeeping best practices, financial benchmarks, and available CRA services; register at the provided simpli.events links.
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EV and battery supply chain promotion
Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership promoted the region's EV and battery supply chain advantages at The Battery Show in Detroit, with Economic Development Officer Domenic Mazzuca meeting industry partners. The outreach spotlights chemical processing know how, advanced manufacturing capacity, industrial land and road, rail and port links, plus proximity to vehicle production hubs within a four hour drive.
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Skilled Trades Expo and Apprenticeship Pathways Panel
Stop by the Lambton College event centre in Sarnia on 2026-10-14 for a free Skilled Trades Expo, with local exhibitors on hand until 5:00 PM and an apprenticeship pathways panel starting at 4:00 PM. No registration is required, so drop in this afternoon to learn about training and employer opportunities from the Sarnia Lambton Economic Partnership.
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How to Pitch Your Business workshop
Join Dr. Martin Smith on Thursday, October 22 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM for a free How to Pitch Your Business workshop at Pitch Indoor Sports in Sarnia. The Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership hosts this hands on session where you will practise your pitch and get feedback to refine your message. Register at https://simpli.events/e/howtopitchyourbusiness to save your spot.
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Thanksgiving holiday observance and office closure
The Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership will close its office for Thanksgiving on Monday, October 12, 2026, and reopen on Tuesday, October 13. The announcement thanks local workers, businesses, and partners and wishes the community a safe, restful long weekend.
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Do’s and Don’ts When Crossing the U.S. Border
Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership presents a webinar on November 4, 2026 titled Do’s and Don’ts When Crossing the U.S. Border, featuring guidance from U.S. Customs and Border Protection on shipping and documentation for exporters. Register at the event page to get practical steps that help Ontario businesses move goods across the border with fewer surprises.
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New Exporters of Technologies and Services to the U.S. (NETSUS)
The Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership presents NETSUS, a webinar for technology and service companies on October 28, 2026, covering intellectual property, taxation, and immigration considerations for exporting to the U.S. Register at the Sarnia Lambton events page to reserve a spot and learn practical steps for cross-border trade.
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Local Industry Link event
Local Industry Link convened employers, students, and young professionals at Sports by Refined Fool on 2026-10-07, offering networking and direct conversations about career opportunities in Sarnia Lambton. The event was organized by the Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership in collaboration with Lambton College to connect emerging talent with local businesses.
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Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) expansion
The Government of Canada has expanded the Regional Tariff Response Initiative so eligible businesses can access enhanced support to strengthen supply chains, boost productivity, improve resilience, address liquidity needs, and pursue growth opportunities. Applications are now open, with full program details on the FedDev Ontario page and local guidance from Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership at 519-332-1820 or contact@sarnialambton.on.ca.
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How to Pitch Your Business
Dr. Marty Smith leads a one hour practical workshop, How to Pitch Your Business, on Thursday October 22, 2026 at Pitch Indoor Sports in Sarnia. Participants will build a concise pitch, practise it, and receive actionable feedback; register at the Sarnia Lambton event page.
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October newsletter announcement
SLEP released its October newsletter on 2026-10-05 with updates on investment attraction, local business growth, and upcoming events in Sarnia Lambton. Subscribe at https://www.sarnialambton.on.ca/newsletters to get monthly local business news and resources delivered to your inbox.
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Industrial property listing - 211 Gladwish Drive
211 Gladwish Drive in Sarnia is a 35 acre heavy industrial site offering shovel ready parcels starting at two acres, approximately 2,400 feet of Highway 40 frontage, and build to suit options. The site has regional access to international rail, highways and shipping ports and sits near major operators such as Suncor, Shell, Imperial Oil and NOVA Chemicals. Contact Domenic Mazzuca at domenic@sarnialambton.on.ca or 519-332-1820 for lot availability and development details.
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Sarnia-Lambton manufacturing outreach at Manufacturing Matters
Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership representatives attended Manufacturing Matters in London, Ontario on October 1, 2026 to promote local manufacturers and pursue opportunities in defence, mining, and nuclear supply chains. The outreach highlights regional strengths in precision machining, metal fabrication, and engineered materials, and points readers to Sarnia Lambton’s advanced manufacturing page for next steps.
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Sarnia Lambton Community Skilled Trade Expo and Apprenticeship Panel Discussion
Visit Lambton College on October 14 to explore interactive exhibitor booths that showcase local skilled trades, with an apprenticeship panel at 4:00 PM. Sponsored by the Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership and hosted by the Sarnia Lambton Workforce Development Board, the expo runs from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM and admission is free with no registration required.
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Sarnia Lambton Community Skilled Trade Expo and Apprenticeship Panel Discussion
The Sarnia Lambton Community Skilled Trade Expo returns to Lambton College on Wednesday, October 14 from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM with interactive exhibitor booths and a 4:00 PM apprenticeship panel. Sponsored by the Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership and hosted by the Sarnia Lambton Workforce Development Board, admission is free and no registration is required.
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Invest Ontario site visit to Sarnia-Lambton
Invest Ontario visited Sarnia-Lambton on September 30, 2026 for a guided tour of industrial sites including ARLANXEO, TransAlta and CF Industries, plus regional parks and the harbour. Conversations focused on the Sarnia-Lambton Innovation Bridge Commercialization Hub and collaboration between Lambton College Research & Innovation and the Western Sarnia-Lambton Research Park to attract investment and jobs.
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Support for Indigenous-owned businesses in Sarnia-Lambton
On September 30 the Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership encourages the local business community to support Indigenous owned businesses by listening to Indigenous voices and listing Indigenous owned businesses in the regional directory. Indigenous owned businesses in Sarnia-Lambton can add themselves at the partnership's directory URL so customers and organizations can find and connect with them.
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Culinary and Agritourism Workshop
Tourism Sarnia-Lambton and the Culinary Tourism Alliance are running a practical Culinary and Agritourism Workshop at The Gallery in Sarnia on October 27 from 9 AM to 1 PM. The session covers what visitors want, how to craft "taste of place" experiences, and the steps to make a business tourism friendly; register online to attend.
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How to Pitch Your Business
How to Pitch Your Business is a one hour workshop for entrepreneurs hosted by the Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership at Pitch Indoor Sports on Thursday, October 22, 2026 from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Bring your core idea and walk away with a practiced, feedback tested pitch and concrete tips for communicating your business value. Register online at the Sarnia Lambton events page.
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The Atrium Collective grand opening
The Atrium Collective celebrated its grand opening on Saturday, September 26, 2026 at 148 Front St. N. in downtown Sarnia, establishing a shared retail and creative event space for local makers and small businesses. Follow The Atrium | Downtown Sarnia to find current vendors, pop ups, and visiting hours.
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Chéri Chéri Intimates — Store Opening
Chéri Chéri Intimates has opened a new store at 149A Christina St. N. in downtown Sarnia, the Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership announced on 2026-09-25. Stop by to meet owner Rebecca and support this new local boutique in the heart of downtown.
